1. United Nations efforts in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

Article 1 of the UN Charter stipulates “promoting and encouraging respect for human rights” as one of the purposes of the United Nations. Since its establishment, the United Nations has coped with human rights issues in the world, and protects and promotes human rights in the international framework. In the UN General Assembly and the Third Committee, Member States discuss human rights issues.

At the Summit Meeting held in September, 2005, the Outcome Document was compiled on the basis of former Secretary General Kofi Annan’s report, “In Larger Freedom.” This document presented a direction agreed upon by the heads of states and governments with regard to ways the United Nations should deal with international challenges and how the United Nations should be reformed. A decision was reached on how to strengthen the United Nations, including some institutional reforms. One of them was to establish the Human Rights Council. （ http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/ ）.

2. Japan ’s Efforts in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

Human Rights

Major Speeches on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

3. Useful Resources

Japan's voluntary pledges and commitments in accordance with UN Resolutions

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Convention on the Rights of the Child

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Toward a World without Mines-Japan's Initiatives-(Pamphlet)

4. Related Links

UN Human Rights

Human Rights Council

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights